Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on Women's History Month
Media Contact: Joel Payne, (202) 225- 2661
“Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the generations of extraordinary women trailblazers who came before us. These heroines fought for equal pay in the workplace, voting rights, the right to raise a family while maintaining a career, women’s reproductive rights and so much more. I am eternally grateful for the courage of these women who sacrificed so much to make the dreams of future generations of women more attainable.
“In my own life, I have been blessed to have several women role models who helped shape the person that I am today. The two women trailblazers who come to mind for me are my mother, Mildred Massey, and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a mentor and heroine to millions of women across our nation. In different ways, both of these exceptional women played an immeasurable role in helping guide my path in life.
"We should be mindful that even with all the progress that has been made in terms of women’s equality in every part of our society, there is much more work to be done. And unfortunately there are some who are actively working to tear down that progress by declaring a ‘war on women’ that includes stripping reproductive rights from women; cutting funding for the WIC nutrition program for low-income infants, pregnant women and recent mothers; and making it harder for women to get equal treatment from health insurers. As a public servant, I will continue to fight back against this attack on women’s rights.
“As we mark the beginning of Women’s History Month, I encourage women from every corner in the world to take up the same challenge that our predecessors embarked upon. Let’s join together to become mentors to young women and dedicate ourselves to helping cultivate the next generation of female leaders.”
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